We deliver innovative procurement solutions enabling our customers to serve the people of California.

Our Key Services

Doing Business with the State

The State of California purchases a wide variety of goods and services ranging from pencils to temporary labor. Annual purchases total almost $10 billion. The Procurement Division (PD) is the central purchasing authority for all state departments, agencies, institutions, community colleges, technical institutes and city or local boards of education.

Bid Opportunities

All State of California bid opportunities are advertised on the California State Contracts Register (CSCR). Potential bidders can view and download bid opportunities directly from this site. Additionally, the state offers free the CSCR Subscription Outreach Service (SOS), which notifies subscribers by automatic email or fax of CSCR advertised opportunities.

Purchase Authority

The Procurement Division (PD) grants purchasing authority to state departments that request this authority and meet specific requirements. Departments must be granted purchasing authority in order to purchase goods and services valued over $100.

Leveraged Procurement Agreements (LPAs)

Leveraged Procurement Agreements (LPAs) allow departments to buy directly from suppliers through existing contracts and agreements. LPAs are available to California's State, county, city, special district, education, and other government entities. For a list of available LPAs, use the links provided below:

Small Business / Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Option

The Small Business / Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (SB/DVBE) Option is an outstanding procurement tool for agencies and departments to actively pursue and/or exceed the governor's 25% small business participation and 3% DVBE participation in the procurement process.

The Department of General Services, Procurement Division's, Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services (OSDS) is the state's certifying agency that administers the Small Business and DVBE Certification Programs. Non-profit organizations and non-profit Veteran Service Associations receive registration upon application approval.

In addition, the OSDS's Communications & Outreach section assists small and disabled veteran businesses by participating in outreach events, providing resource guidance and supporting the businesses through advocacy.

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) is the procurement of goods and services that have a reduced impact on human health and the environment as compared to other goods and services serving the same purpose (California Public Contract Code §12400-12404). In simple terms, EPP means “Buying Green.” To promote EPP, the Department of General Services developed a best practices manual - the Buying Green Guide. This guide provides information, tools, and tips for buyers and provides insight to suppliers on how the state views “green” products and businesses.